Gain the skills for a successful career with a master’s in accounting from UMSL

The accounting programs at the University of Missouri–St. Louis have a long-standing reputation for developing outstanding CPAs and financial professionals. Our master’s in accounting program is an excellent way to launch or advance your career in accounting or finance.

UMSL’s Master of Accounting program is designed for undergraduate accounting or business majors, as well as students with other undergraduate backgrounds. You can specialize your degree in six distinct areas, from auditing to controllership.

If you’re seeking a career as a certified public accountant, our master’s degree in accounting program will prepare you for the contemporary CPA Exam, as well as the contemporary CPA profession.

A master’s in accounting that aligns with your career goals

Whether you aspire to become a CPA or a CFO, our MAcc degree program will help you get there. Elevate your potential with a comprehensive education that combines essential accounting coursework with electives in sought-after areas such as information and data security. AACSB LogoOur internationally recognized College of Business Administration is ranked among the top two percent of business schools in the world thanks to dual AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting.

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Program type:

Graduate, MAcc

Format:

On-Campus

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Why earn your master’s in accounting at UMSL?

For more than half a century, UMSL accounting has been a go-to program for accountancy. When you earn your master’s in accounting here, you’ll join other alumni who enjoy placement rates at or near 100 percent, as well as CPA Exam pass rates far above national averages. You’ll also find:

  • Expert faculty. Take courses with faculty who have years of experience working in public and private practices, at top CPA firms, corporations and more. Their knowledge bridges coursework with the real world.
  • Gain real-world training before finishing your MAcc degree. Find paid internships at area CPA firms, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies. Work with the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program to serve your community and earn academic credit. Conduct and showcase your research.
  • Flexible options. Take classes during the day, online and in the evening.

What can you do with a master’s in accounting?

Earning a master’s degree in accounting can help you build a successful career in a host of roles in business and finance, from auditor and analyst to consultant and CPA. UMSL MAcc students often receive multiple internship offers – and our graduates are in high demand by employers. In fact, most students sign contracts to join CPA firms or corporations before they even graduate.

UMSL accounting alumni include partners at CPA firms, as well as chief executive, financial and operating officers at companies across the nation. Most graduates who have earned their master’s degree in accounting join CPA firms such as Anders, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PWC and more. Others join corporations including Bayer, Edward Jones, Enterprise and Wells Fargo, or government agencies such as the IRS, the FBI or the Government Contract Audit Agency.

Accountants earn a median annual salary of $78,000 per year, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

No matter your career aspirations, the UMSL master’s degree in accounting curricula are designed to efficiently and effectively prepare you to succeed on the CPA Exam and throughout your career.

$78,000

Median annual salary

Career Opportunities

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Corporate Controller
  • CPA
  • External Auditor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Information & Technology Consultant
  • Managerial Accountant
  • Tax Professional

Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants: Fall - July 1; Spring - December 1; Summer - May 1
International Applicants: Fall - May 1; Spring - October 1

Requirements

A complete application to the MAcc program includes official transcripts, a personal statement and two letters of reference. Students planning to enter the MAcc program are strongly encouraged to complete their application several months before entering the graduate program. Students admitted earlier have greater flexibility in scheduling graduate courses. The GMAT is not required for admission to this program.

Applicants who hold a BS in Accounting from UMSL with excellent grades who meet the stated application deadlines may be eligible for Early Admission.

Early Admission

The Accounting Department provides an admission option for outstanding students at the University of Missouri -St. Louis. The Early Admission option is available to any applicant who meets ALL of the following criteria:

  • Will earn a B.S. in Accounting or a B.S. in Business Administration at UMSL prior to entering the Master of Accounting program
  • Has an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application
  • Has completed at least three 3000-level accounting classes at UMSL
  • Has a UMSL upper-level accounting GPA of 3.2 or higher

Students who meet the academic qualifications and deadlines above will receive an expedited admission decision, generally within two weeks of their application.

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Plan of study

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Review Full Degree Requirements Download 2-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

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Career Services – Students have access to professional career counselors who can assist in everything from resume development and interview preparation to lining up an internship or connecting you with your next fulltime career. UMSL alumni also enjoy high quality, lifelong career management programming, services, events and resources to assist in all phases of career development.

Networking – with the largest alumni network in the region, UMSL graduate students have access to leading professionals engaged in business, research, entrepreneurship, non-profit, government, community organizations. Our academic units engage this network in curriculum development to ensure our graduate students gain the skills needed to advance along their choose career path.

Research – There are many opportunities for graduate students to showcase their research including our annual Graduate Research Fair, which is open to students from all graduate programs. Doctoral and thesis master’s students can also compete in the Three Minute Thesis challenge to be evaluated by a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes. 

College of Business Administration

UMSL Business transforms lives.

Why Choose UMSL Business?

With UMSL Business, you join an empowering community of problem-solvers known as a force for transformation in the St. Louis region and beyond.

The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the world’s premier business school accrediting organization, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, in both business and accounting. This places UMSL among the top two percent of business schools worldwide.

ABH at UMSL Building

UMSL Business faculty are inspirational teachers and top researchers

You’ll learn from highly qualified educators and researchers who hold terminal degrees from some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

Our faculty are recognized for research impact in their fields, but they are not only scholars. They are mentors, passionate about what they do, offering support through informal conversations, career events, seminars, workshops and more. Our internship program helps students secure diverse work experiences from Fortune 500 firms as well as local small businesses. We are invested in the success of every student.

College of Business at UMSL Faculty

Supporting you in and out of the classroom

About 150 local executives serve on UMSL Business advisory boards, assisting us with current trends, mentorships, internships, jobs, advice, and financial support.

This means that our curriculum remains up to date and relevant to your eventual job search. Of graduates who responded to a recent survey conducted by UMSL Career Services, 100% of accounting and 92.5% of all UMSL Business undergraduate alumni had a job or were pursuing a graduate degree within six months of graduation.

College of Business students

UMSL Business for undergraduates and beyond

UMSL business advisors are ready to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals.

Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate degree or are furthering your education with a master’s or beyond, the College of Business Administration offers a variety of degree programs and emphasis areas to get you where you want to go. Study in the areas of accounting, cybersecurity, finance, information systems, international business, logistics, operations, management or marketing.

UMSL graduates

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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